Women in Music

There are various challenges female musicians face, such as lack of representation, sexism and sexual harassment, issues connected to child care and maternity rights. Navigating the music industry as a woman has it’s specific challenges.

Guidance & advice

Sample Policy

Menopause at Work

A template to help employers in the music sector support people experiencing symptoms of the menopause.

Maternity, Adoption and Parental Rights at Work

Guidance pack on pay, leave and other rights at work for musicians who are becoming parents.

Sample policy

Breastfeeding at Work

This sample policy for breastfeeding at work is designed for anyone working in the music sector.

Gender and women's rights in the workplace

Rights of Women

Legal advice and support for women

Parental Grant for MU Members

Grants of £275 are available to both male and female MU members.

Harassment & discrimination

#ProtectFreelancersToo

End Sexual Harassment at Work

Join the call for stronger protections from sexual harassment at work that protect freelancers too.

Report in confidence

MU Safe Space

A safe space for musicians to share instances of sexism, sexual harassment and sexual abuse at work.

Sexual Harassment at Work

Get legal and practical advice on appropriate behaviour at work, find help resources and find out how to develop a Sexual Harassment Policy.

For employers

Music Sector Code of Practice

Find out about our joint music sector code of practice and which music organisations already signed up for it.

Latest news and features

Explore the latest on the issues of gender discrimination in music.

Xenia, Hayley, Fiona and Joy together at Conference.

Two MU Motions on AI and Parenting Passed at TUC Women’s Conference 2025

Four MU delegates attended this year’s TUC Women’s Conference, where Union motions on the responsible use of AI, and better pay in relation to pregnancy and parenting were both passed.

Published: 27 March 2025

Ankna singing into a microphone on stage.

Ankna Arockiam for Women’s History Month: “Women’s Voices are Crucial in Shaping the Future of our Industry”

In our fourth and final blog for Women's History Month 2025, vocalist Ankna Arockiam explores the challenges women in the music industry face, her work around higher education and activism, and how joining the MU opens up opportunities for a more inclusive industry.

Published: 26 March 2025

Group of diverse women sat talking around a table, making notes with paper and laptops, smiling as they network and share ideas.

Keychange Announces 2025 Cohort for Talent Leadership Programme

Keychange, a movement dedicated to addressing underrepresentation in music, has announced the new participants in its 2025 Talent Leadership Programme. The cohort, which includes the MU’s own ED&I Officer Diljeet Bhachu, will collaborate to drive transformative change within the industry.

Published: 25 March 2025

A middle aged woman standing with a selection of music instruments.

Menopause in Live Music: LIVE and MU to Host Online Panel

The Musicians' Union is partnering with LIVE (Live music Industry Venues & Entertainment) to host a webinar and panel on the menopause and how it can affect people working in the live music industry.

Published: 19 March 2025

Sarah Mellor for Women’s History Month: “Everyone Should Feel Valued and Appreciated in Their Place of Work”

In our third blog for Women's History Month 2025, professional singer and MU member Sarah Mellor explores the values needed to build and sustain a truly accessible, inclusive music industry.

Published: 19 March 2025

Katrina Lee for Women’s History Month: "Be a Part of the Growing Community of Active Thinkers and Do-ers"

In our second blog for Women’s History Month 2025, Violinist and MU member Katrina Lee explores her journey as musician in relation to activism and social change, and discusses how her new album celebrates female composers and the violin in its virtuosity as a solo instrument.

Published: 12 March 2025

The Youth Music Award for Inspirational Music Leader: “An Absolute Career Highlight For Me”

MU member and winner of this year’s Youth Music's Inspirational Music Leader award, Kathryn Sturman, reflects on how her confidence has grown from supporting others.

Published: 07 March 2025

Girls I Rate

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Keychange

Get support as a woman musician through MU membership

Access our expert music industry advice and services as a woman music artist, whether you are a full-time or part-time music professional, employed, freelance, teaching or recording from home.

Make the most out of MU membership

A wealth of advice and resources for women working in music
Musician-specific healthcare services
Advice on workplace rights and access to a parental grant
Be part of community of women musicians to connect, network and make positive change across the MU and the music industry.

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Get support as a woman musician through MU membership

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